3/26/23 Through 4/1/23

 3/26/23 Through 4/1/23

Life He gives to mortal bodies

Buried in the hills and wadies

All who in the Spirit dwell

Of such a miracle will tell

He will settle in the land

And as the boundaries expand

A peace and calm as none before

Will be forever at the door

Monday

Impossible the situation

Here a selfish wicked nation

Rife with lust, deceit, and anger

Steeped in sin we sit and languor

Where's our Daniel when we need one?

Truth, by lies, is overrun

Just refuse participation

Possibly, you'll change a nation

Each a part to play in changing

Such a nation rearranging

Taking focus off of you

And turning back to what is true

Tuesday

A god we make of stupid things

And then our worship sadly brings

The chains of slavery as before

And not the love we're looking for

It seems too high a price to pay

And all that work gets in the way

Of pleasure now which rules the day

But yields a higher price to pay

For all of history reveals

The emptiness of sin's appeals

And how was won the special prize

By those with only humble eyes

So, strip me Lord of that within

That yields to emptiness and sin

Then fill me with a life of grace

And bring me to Your dwelling place

Wednesday

My God, You are but God alone

None other fashioned from the stone

And none shall have my sacred bow

But only One and only Thou

A fourth seen strolling in the fire

Kindled there for ill desire

Untouched by flame or smell of smoke

For He the God of which they spoke

No god of pride or selfish lust

Deserving of our faithful trust

But God alone who made us all 

Is He alone before we fall.

Thursday

One's wholly in or wholly out,

No middle ground there be.

His work should show without a doubt

That truly, it is He.

But willful blindness blocks the view

When pride gets in the way

Take care that blinded not are you

And never go astray

For evidence is clear as day

Since Resurrection Morn

Just let the doubt be washed away

And Christ in thee be born.

Friday

For what good works you want Me dead?

Not for the works, but what You said.

You claim to be the Father's Son

You claim that You and He are One.

Such nonsense we cannot believe

What mind such tales could ere conceive?

A mind that's One with Him in love,

A Son that came from Him above.

The works I do are ample signs

I'm here to do what He designs

If trust my words you cannot do,

At least believe the works I do.

I slip away from you this time,

But knowing soon, the hill will climb

To Calvary, My greatest sign

That I am truly, Love Divine.

When resurrected, clear will be

My words are true, and meant for thee

But if you willfully refuse,

You get eternity you choose.

Saturday

Oh, how true and aptly spoken

One should die to save a nation

Slaughtered, but no bone is broken

Sacrificed for all creation

Such is how He draws together

All the nations of the earth

Love becomes the strongest tether

None we have of greater worth

3/19/23 Through 3/25/23

 3/19/23 Through 3/25/23

Sunday

Lord give the light that I may see

Things not as man, but as they be.

To look beyond the surface shell

And see the heart of truth as well

Then let me share the truth I see

That others too, not blinded be

So all may bask in endless light

No longer haunted by the night

Monday

Joseph as my good example

Man of justice, strong and true

Pray for grace that's good and ample

That in love, I model you.

Joseph, gentle, just, and true

Be my counselor and guide

Make me just and gentle too

Make me one devoid of pride.

Tuesday

Not healed for hell, but here on earth

To pass along to all new birth

The years of waiting now have past

The Savior's come for man at last.

In bondage all these many years

With waning hope and many tears

Anew, this life has come to thee

Now pass it on so others see.

Wednesday

The judgment comes for all someday

A terrible and fright'ning day

When all we've done is clearly seen

And clear we see that none are clean.

The cry for mercy, loud is heard

By love or dread, the cries be spurred

Those repentant drawing near,

But those intransigent, in fear.

That day we see His Majesty

His mercy as an endless sea

And what is gained in life above

Or what is lost, rejecting love.

Thursday

So slow to learn, so fast to fall

And yet You always gently call

Extending mercy when I fail 

To evermore Your love unveil.

This mortal flesh must turn to You

To seek what's beautiful and true.

To find what's good and always fair

Within Your loving gentle care.

Friday

This man of God we'll crucify

And see if then He still will try

To show us wrong in what we do

Or try to make our faith anew.

For we are those that search the word

And follow laws that Moses heard.

We love the law, and not the man

So be to Him, we cruel can.

If He is truly from above

Then God will show His faithful love

And rescue Him from all His foes

To save Him from the evil woes.

But erred were they in how He works

For everywhere that evil lurks

God has a way to get His will

And all His wiser plans fulfill.

Saturday

The Word made flesh that special day

Salvation won this special way

Immortal taking mortal on

To fix the way that man had gone.

Now heaven speaks to earth again

The Lord once more will walk with men

And clear the path o'ergrown by sin

To welcome souls repentant in

A single word she spoke in love

Rejoining man to God above

Creation so to realign

The mortal married to Divine

Fan the Flame

 Fan the Flame

Five things you need for flames to roar

To feel the heat as once before

To loose the Spirit deep within

And conquer over death and sin.

Repent and live a life anew

Put sin afar away from you.

Turn and see the light of love

And set your mind on things above.

Believe that God is calling you

He has a task for you to do.

It's you alone that holds the key

To set a soul that's captive free.

So Ask and see His grace abound

Within the life that you have found

And offer that you humbly serve

With nothing held as in reserve.

Then answer well what He makes known

As fertile ground for seed that's sown.

For if His word is not Obeyed

For naught are all the words you prayed.

Be Thirsty for the souls of men

As Jesus on the Cross back then

Whose thirst was quenched with bitter wine

And so, in sacrifice, be thine.

3/12/23 Through 3/18/23

 3/12/23 Through 3/18/23

Sunday
Even sin, He turns for good
The way a sinful people would
If they but saw in clearer light
A way to make their wrongs a right.

But mercy touches deep within

Exposing there the depth of sin

Awakening a holy shame

So we might choose to love reclaim

Humility inspired there

A thirst to living water share

A freedom from the chains of sin

When Christ our King is welcomed in

Monday

So hard to see what's deep inside

The dark abyss of sinful pride

It clouds the mind, obscures the way

And leads to spiritual decay

Then why do I persist in pride

And set the higher way aside?

Concupiscence, this bane of mine

That draws my will away from Thine

Cleanse and purify me, Lord

Armor me with shield and sword

Make of me a soldier true

That puts my trust alone in You.

Tuesday

Have mercy Lord for all my sins

For mercy's where new life begins

Grant me a share of mercy then

That mercy I may show again

Make me a sacrifice of praise

Deliver me from evil ways

Let fire cleanse a selfish heart

And mercy, debtors, I impart

From slavery of mine, set free

That, "yes" my answer always be

To grace, you offer in the time

To always closer up to climb

In haste, so often there I fail

That blessed grace, to me avail

And only see when ere I fall

I failed to answer well the call.

So mercy is my constant cry

And never Lord will You deny

The humble heart that turns from sin

To welcome truth and love within.

Wednesday

What nation has so great a law?

Nay, who has seen what this one saw?

Through waters parted safe and sound

While there the soldiers all were drowned

While in the desert, richly fed

As daily came from heaven, bread

And water in the desert land

From barren rock on burning sand

Their God provided on their way

For all their need in every day

And gave that law from mountain high

So none would ere His love deny

Thursday

How bold to think that I could stray

And not His word to sure obey

The way of right and truth He knows

And on the Cross, that way He shows

This nation set apart in love

So richly blest by God above

Was given gifts to show the way

But in their pride has gone astray

The way to save both me and you

Is how to save the nation too

If we but turn to God above

And face our cross, as Christ in love.

The root of love is sacrifice

And on the Cross, He paid the price

To show how humble love can win

And triumph over death and sin

Friday

Sin, that dreaded slavery

That traps the folks like you and me

Is nothing more than selfish lust

That plagues the weakly man of dust

Love of God and neighbor too

Is what was planned for me and you

A way of perfect bliss to know

But yet another way we go.

Repent and learn what God has known

And on the Cross was plainly shown

That perfect peace and joy will come

By loving God, and everyone.

Saturday

Oh Lord is there yet hope for me,

Who blinded by my guilt can't see

Until I've strayed and lost the track

And humbly must come crawling back?

Each time I think I'm doing well

You show me just how far I fell

But if I turn away from sin

Your grace again is found within.

3/5/23 Through 3/11/23

 3/5/23 Through 3/11/23

Sunday

Walking to the mount of Tabor

Three alone with Him that day

Christ invites them there to savor

Just a taste of Heaven's way.

Hear the voice then fall and tremble

Fearing for so many sins

Yet a hope we soon resemble

Who for us redemption wins.

Monday

Lord help me measure well today

Just what to keep or give away

Let my measure's bounty be

In your time returned to me

Don't give up on me I pray

Show me grace again today

Grace to turn from sin to you

Grace to love in all I do.

Tuesday

Lord make my motives good and pure

That love in me would long endure

Bestill the pride that tempts my soul

To make the earthly gain my goal

Too often good is done for pride

Acknowledgment and envy plied

To place the "me" above the rest

And all the blessings so divest.

Lord, let me see the body whole

And so accept my little role

Rejoicing in another's good

As how each humble member should.

For parts more elegant than mine

Are all attached to one true Vine

And loved beyond what they deserve

So help me simply humbly serve.

Wednesday

Somehow let my service be

A pleasing offering to Thee

A sweet aroma rising high

The outcast poor, to dignify.

A place of honor here below

Not likely that I'll ever know

But let the Cross my anchor be

And light beyond then clearly see

Each path, unto the Cross shall lead

For there the sacrificial seed

Of love is sown to mend the heart

And all the grace of God impart.

Thursday

Lazarus, a myth they say

Then go about their merry way

And pay no heed to those in pain

And only seek the more to gain

The "more" they seek is none but straw

And this, the pittied rich man saw

Too late to turn and make amends

And so is how his story ends

But none alive are yet that far

And mercy meets them where they are

To welcome back a wayward stray

And give them life in endless day.

Though Mercy will not force a hand

We choose the life or choose the damned

The poor are those the latter choose

And all they thought they had they lose.

Friday

A vineyard granted for our good 

But we must act the way we should

Returning all the Master's due

And proving us a grateful crew

For he that hoards what lands produce

Will never taste the greater juice

The wine poured out as blood for all

Who answer well the Master's call

Saturday

A wayward son, a faithful one

Yet both their Father grieve

For love desired but not acquired

When "things" are those we cleave

The love He seeks, in stillness speaks

With folly clear beheld

Repentant one the truer son

Than one who love witheld

2/26/23 Through 3/4/23

 2/26/23 Through 3/4/23

Sunday

Temptation comes in many ways

Be watchful through these forty days

For garden trickery remains

Though emptiness alone contains

In nakedness, a fullness known

With hearts for God and God alone

But sin brought selfishness and lust

Destroying love and Godly trust

But Christ now shows what man can be

As naked there upon the tree

In stark submission to God's will

He offers man salvation still.

No shame at all in One so pure

Whose love is steadfast, strong, and sure.

As the Father once intended,

Now the Son in love has mended.

Monday

Commands are many in the law

But in the Teacher, two I saw

To love the Lord with all I have

And be to poor, a healing salve.

The rest contained within these two

And judgment comes from what we do.

Do we the needy ones restore,

Or simply poor and sick ignore?

Within the faces ready seen

The Master dwells if we but glean

And understand it's Him we serve

Then give the poor what they deserve.

Tuesday

Lord, send the rain and send the snow

That deep within, Your word would grow

So I would learn to be like you

And learn to love the things You do.

That giving all, Your all might gain

And join the angels' loud refrain

Of Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!

Your precious blood has been out-poured.

And such as I have been redeemed

When far away from God I seemed

Then let your snow and rain return

And make me always closer turn.

Wednesday

Something far greater than Solomon here

Preaching like Jonah's resounds in the ear

Calling for change and repentance in love

Calling for turning of hearts to above.

Turning away from the greed and the lust

Turning to gentle and generous trust

Turning from envy and all that defiles

Then turning to One whose giving beguiles.

Heartfelt repentance is warranted now

Trusting forgiveness be granted somehow

Not as the Pharisee, proud and unchanged

But sinner whose sins, for mercy exchanged.

Thursday

So, ask and receive, seek and find

Enter into the Master's mind

See that His way is best for you

Humbly then trust in all you do.

Friday

Turn from wickedness and sin

Let the life of love begin

Waste not all the good you do

By acting as the pagans do.

No thing as just a little sin

For all are turning back from Him

And evil in its many forms

A life of peace and love deforms.

Saturday

Make of me a docile soul

To Thee I give complete control

My sinful ways I wish to lose

And always now Your pathway choose.

No enemies be known to me

That I, with loving eyes don't see

And offer prayers for their concern

To loving ways of God to learn.

Forgiving readily each day

Completely, in a loving way

Forbearing in a humble form

To make the grace of love the norm.

2/19/23 Through 2/25/23

 2/19/23 Through 2/25/23

Sunday

Like Him, our destiny is love

To thus enjoy the land above

For in that land, no sin exists

And only love up there persists

So learn to sacrifice each day

And take the chains of sin away

That giving as the Father gives

We might be welcomed where He lives.

Monday

Wisdom comes from One who reigns

And goes to where the Wise One deigns

For all is known to Him alone

Foundation of His glorious throne

So, who can understand her ways

Or penetrate her knowing gaze?

A fool, she shows the wise of earth

While humble given second birth

Her generosity extends

To poor and humble she befriends

For when they call she showers down

The humble, knowing, wisdom crown

She gives to those who freely call

The strong and brave, or weak and small

The gift is given those who ask

To guide them in their every task.

Tuesday

If you come to serve the Lord

Prepare for great ordeal

For often here your sole reward

Is far from the ideal

Anger is the first response

When ways are shown as wrong

For wickedness, secure ensconced

Will status quo prolong

Not everyone will share your joy

Nor view your change a good

Exposing sin will much annoy

Who act not as they should

So stand your ground, be firm and true

Give not the way to sin

Be loving when they challenge you

In hope their heart to win

Wednesday

In ashes end our evil ways

Bring lasting change these forty days

To humble soul and contrite heart

Your everlasting grace impart

Grace to sacrifice our way

Grace to hear You and obey

Grace to turn our wills toward You

Grace to love in all we do

Bless our land with holy leaders

Straight and strong as giant cedars

Give this people love for Jesus

One alone who truly frees us.

Thursday

Much in profit, little gained

When all of earth has been obtained

For all on earth shall pass away

And all is naught that final day

Pursue the light that never ends

For flesh, to only evil tends

But crucify that way instead

And find within, the spirit fed

For life and death we choose each day

A prosperous, or cursing way

So choose the former and you'll see

Eternal life was meant for thee.

Friday

Is the fasting I do very pleasing to you?

Am I growing in love every day?

Have I learned how to pray an acceptable way?

Is there love in the alms that I pay?

Growing closer to You in the things that I do

Is the goal of this daily endeavor

A stripping away, to my selfishness slay

And learn how to love in forever.

Saturday

How do we treat the day of the Lord,

As one to be rested and fully restored,

Or as one to be following whims of our own

And never the love of our God to make known?

The day of the Sabbath was made for the man

To peer into heaven as far as he can

To see how important that knowing Him is

And joy of the turning of ours into His

In the giving of all, the all we obtain

The things of the earth we now see as vain

But only this vision will come with the cost

Of counting our gains as paradise lost

So set the Sabbath day aside

To rest, and there with Him abide

That so, you'll find yourself renewed

And closer to the Spirit wooed.

2/12/23 Through 2/18/23

 2/12/23 Through 2/18/23

Sunday

The daily choices that we make

Determine every path we take

And where it leads, to good or ill

To foster life, or life to kill.

The children must be taught so now

That they would choose the right somehow

And walk the path to light and love

To find eternal home above

Don't make a choice of "Wait and see"

There is no neutral, you will see

You're either headed toward the light

Or to the blackest dark of night.

Monday

The offering to Thee we make

From best of what we have we take

For all is due to Your great love

And all is showered from above

The best is in humility

For all we have has come from Thee

And when we give our very best

We find You multiply the rest

Tuesday

On the waters, fear arose

But trust in God, dear Noah chose

Fulfilling each of His commands

To thus fulfill the Master's plans

To start anew where evil reigned

And break the bond on man it gained

By water, so the earth made clean

And Baptism is there foreseen.

Wednesday

The floods will come, but who can stand

Except who does as God has planned,

Who builds the ark to flood survive

And in the newness there to thrive.

The flood will wash away the sins.

Above the font new life begins

The olive branch of peace and love

Is brought by Whom we see as Dove

So many centuries ago

The details now are hard to know

But this is clear, the faithful win

Forever vic'try over sin.

Thursday

Who do you say that I am,

A lion, a prophet, or Lamb?

If Christ I must be, then followeth Me

To pass your final exam

The cross as My destiny see

So too, it is destined for thee

If the Master is killed as the Father has willed

So too, His servants shall be.

So shoulder it well everyday

For giving of self is the way

To conquer the sin and let the love in

And taste of the banquet I say

Friday

A language far apart from mine,

A way quite high above is Thine.

You choose the low and humble way

Found irksome when I try to pray.

The cross I shun, and lash I fear

But through such discipline draw near.

Give grace to face them every day

In hope at last, I find Your way.

Saturday

As Pharoah said to Moses,

"Go, but go not far."

The devil so proposes

To keep us where we are

But faith is what compels us

To trust and so believe.

The whisper that He tells us

To more and more receive

Transfigured in a moment

A glimpse to that beyond

A heavenly bestowment

Of what in ye has spawned.

Guard the treasure ever true

That none would snatch away.

The gift He has bestowed on you

Forever lights the way.

So leave behind the barren land

For land that's watered well

Live no more on empty sand

But in the bounty dwell.

2/5/23 Through 2/11/23

 2/5/23 Through 2/11/23

Sunday

Light in the darkness, salt of the earth

Giving to God all that you're worth

Shelter the homeless, guard the oppressed

Speak of His love, and surely be blessed.

Gracious in lending, just in your way

Trusting and firm is brightness of day.

Light is the answer to all of your ills

So turn from the wrong, and do as He wills.

Monday

Healing and creation

Both signs of something new

He calls on every nation

To hear what's good and true.

But man does not his blessings know

Nor give Him time of day.

Just focused on the self they grow

Indifferent to the Way.

Don't let the cares of everyday

Distract from what is true

He'd care for man in every way

If man, His will, would do.

Assess today just how you fare

In how you spend your time

As one who listens, well aware

Of hills He calls to climb.

Tuesday

Well-ordered all the plans He made

For mountain pass, or tree, or glade.

In perfect harmony and tune

But evil serpent would impugn.

Thus tricking man to go astray

And make a path of his own way

That wanders aimlessly afar

From where the ordered pathways are.

One way alone to right the ship

And with the tools for life equip

Is listen for the Master's voice

And make His way your only choice.

Wednesday

Sweet was the day when He fashioned the clay

And breathed forth the spirit of man

Free will he received, but the serpent deceived

And downward the spiral began.

The desire for sin that comes from within

Can be overcome if we dare

For grace He bestows, and a holy one knows

It's the Spirit of God that we share.

So ask and receive, don't let evil deceive

For grace in abundance bestowed

The trusting all know just where they must go

To nourish the seed that's been sowed.

Thursday

At last, is the woman intended for me

In eyes of this beauty, what's Godly I see.

No more of the wandering, hopeless, confused

My spirit to this one forever is fused.

Great blessings now flow from this covenant bond

The new little babies of which I'm so fond.

These children enlightened by love to the Lord

The wealth of this world could never afford.

I pray that my progeny down to the last

Would be to the world a mighty contrast.

That all would be loving, and gentle, and kind

And all such a heavenly partner should find.

Friday

In one ear and out the other

Hearing well, but deaf another

Like so many, much ignored

Knowing not what headed toward.

Oh, heal the ears of all in sin

And let them welcome truth within

Let Your word be planted deep

That wayward souls, Your law would keep.

So let me too, a beggar be

And clearly always speak to me

That I may listen and obey.

And follow in Your righteous way.

Saturday

Blessed Lady in the stone

Show me Christ and Christ alone

One of millions, there I saw

The sick and crippled all in awe.

All in awe of graces shed

All to Jesus Christ are led

Ones coming from around the globe

To all the healing mysteries probe.

None can see and be unmoved

By all the healings firmly proved

By all the joy that fills the air

And all the peace encountered there.

The Maniturgium

The Maniturgium 

The cloth kept sacred through the years

Is placed with her amid the tears

Whose womb where first the child lay

Has gone to final rest this day

No greater gift than mothers give

Of self they give, that young may live

Duty bound throughout the day

To lead the child on their way

And now the cloth that she received

Is placed with her by her bereaved

As evidence that one now gone

To heaven's glory has moved on.

1/29/23 Through 2/4/23

 1/29/23 Through 2/4/23

Sunday

Not because of wisdom, 

Not because of strength

But just because He has a love

That knows not any length.

The poor are shown as wealthy,

The fool discovered wise,

The lowly are exalted,

Before the Master's eyes.

Monday

For something better, we endure

For something good, and clean, and pure

For everlasting peace and joy

That moth and worm cannot destroy.

Lord, give us eyes that see beyond

The comforts that of which we're fond

To see the beauty in the cross

And count all earthly gain as loss

We suffer for eternal gain

And not the pleasures here that wane

For those we love, that blinded be

That they would also be set free.

When tempted to at last give in

Remember what a lie is sin

How Satan laughs and mocks each time

We fall from grace into the slime

Consider then if it is true

It matters much the things you do.

Your sacrifice, a soul could save

So be the one that's strong and brave.

Tuesday

Throw off what hinders running free

So there ahead, the prize you see

Your gaze be fixed on Christ alone

For there is your eternal home

Our Christ, for joy that lay ahead

Endured the cross and shame instead

Of bowing to the evil ways

Of those refusing rightful praise.

To one alone the dead will bow

Including all those mighty now

So look beyond the dusty grave

For One alone in love can save.

Like she that fixed her gaze on Him

To touch alone His garment hem

By faith was then restored to health

When Jesus Christ was made her wealth.

Wednesday

He disciplines beloved sons

Along the way that each one runs

A cross for each to bear and learn

To God, must be the way we turn

His promise far outweighs the strife

His disciplines all lead to life

Each test may seem a cause for pain

But one that brings eternal gain

Thursday

His fire lights the way for man

And cleanses sins no other can

For in the light and heat, He brings

The gold is cleansed of lesser things

Draw near and feel the heat He gives

In purest light of truth He lives

Cleansing as the fuller's lye

The sinners whom His mercy try.

The prophecies of long ago

Are now fulfilled and soon will show

How light and love are linked as one

Within God's holy precious Son.

Friday

In chastity is where love grows

In purity, the chaste one glows

Don't follow ways of sinful men

And trip the trap of sin again

Behold the pure and undefiled

The innocence of once a child

And know that this is meant for you

And also for your loved one too.

Protect and guard this holy gift

To God, your soul's desire lift

To learn that love means sacrifice

And none but pain is found in vice.

Saturday

All must come away a while

In silence there to reconcile

With He who made all things to see

How much He loves and cares for thee

In silence there, His voice we hear

Though just a whisper, loud and clear

Him guiding every step we take

That He, of thee, a saint would make.

1/22/23 Through 1/28/23

 1/22/23 Through 1/28/23

Sunday

The people in darkness have seen a great light

How accustomed they'd grown to the shadows of night

But light has dispelled all the darkness around

The Way, The Truth, and The Life have been found.

Monday

A work so vast no mind can know

The way the toes or fingers grow,

Or how the eye, by light can see

Or why the mind in darkness be.

Who gives us rights but God alone

The One whom all our parts has sewn

As one in ways that all can see

But one of still great mystery?

What foolish pride in sinful man

To think that he, the creature can

Make rules for what is right and wrong

When he's the weak, and not the Strong.

Tuesday

Behold, I come to do Your will

Not seeking only after thrill

But seeking that Your kingdom come

With greater depths of love to plumb.

My sacrifice is naught to You 

What carries weight is what I do..

If I but listen and obey

You hear and answer when I pray.

Wednesday

Conversion of Saul was God's mighty deed

With light and with thunder, He planted the seed.

The light shone around him and blinded was he,

The Voice in the thunder was Jesus you see.

Not quite as dramatic, each personal call,

But just as specific He makes to us all.

Examine in honesty now if you dare

How light of the conscience has made you aware

That change is in order to follow His will

So, have you been docile, or one stubborn still?

Though not in a thunder, but clear as a bell

He speaks to us all with a story to tell.

All you have is a gift that was given by Me.

Proper use of your gifts is the happiness key.

If you listen and follow the way that I show,

My peace and My joy you surely will know.

Much hardship, for certain, you'll have to endure

But fire-refining is what makes you pure.

And purity only can enter My rest

I call you to be, My own and your best.

Thursday

Be strong in your faith and share it around

By placing your lamp on a stand it is found.

When dark is expelled, in light it is seen

How wrong the ways of the world have been.

Titus and Timothy, Men of the Lord

Upon whom the grace of the Spirit out-poured

Were light to the nations and signs from above

Whose embers were stirred to a flame out of love.

The task now for you and for me is the same

To preach to the world of His glorious name.

Of Jesus, that men in their hate crucified,

Who rose in much glory after He died.

Each person's a lamp that's created to shine

Whether brightness is dimmer or greater than mine.

What counts is we set it aloft so they see,

The light is but Christ, and nothing is me.

Friday

In comfort, "Endurance," just rolls off the tongue.

Not so, for the ones the poor are among,

Who lose all they have and yet still they remain

Enduring discomfort, annoyance, and pain.

The true are the ones who rewarded will be,

Not those who gave up and retreated from Me.

For only the patient can bear with the cross

Counting all riches and comforts as loss.

Saturday

So who do wind and sea obey,

But He who fashioned from the clay?

No other orders nature round

For we, our God, have truly found.

Who, in the midst of storm at sea

Could rest as One in perfect glee,

Content in slumber, lying down

When others fear that they may drown?

The Master of the earth and sky

Is One alone who stands so high.

With simple words, bestilling there

The mighty sea and tempest air.

Shepherd Me Gently

Shepherd Me Gently 

Jesus my lord my God and my all

Make me a soul that answers your call.

Make me a servant, faithful and true

One wholly devoted, to following you.

 

Make me contagious, that others may see

The peace and the joy of following Thee.

Make of me thirsty, for all that you are

Hide all my sins, in a singular scar.

 

Jar me awake when I faltering be,

Call to me loudly, and beckon to Thee

Guard me from sin, give me strength when I fail,

For weakly I am, and a sinner so frail.

 

You are my strength, the one boast that I own.

Never one better, or holier known.

Come to me daily, and feed me I pray,

Shepherd me gently, that never I stray.

1/15/23 Through 1/21/23

 1/15/23 Through 1/21/23

Sunday

A light to the nations He'll make of you

To spread what is good, and holy, and true.

The Spirit He grants, for a temple you be

That all whom you know, a new person may see.

So that you, like John, may say that it's true

The One who has come, makes all things anew.

Be ready and willing to answer His call

For His greatest of works, are done through the small.

Monday

Make of me a wineskin new

That I may ever grow with You

Always stretching out to reach

The point, to me, You wish to teach.

With humble heart and ears that hear

Keep me always ever near

Teach me at the break of day

Just how to follow in Your way.

Tuesday

The King of kings, the Great High Priest

His care extends to great and least

For One in whom no lie exists

Will be our Hope through turns and twists.

The anchor for the soul of man

Is One who made all things and can

Give hope when all is dark and dim

If we just put our trust in Him.

So don't despair, lift up your chin

The Truth alone, You're trusting in.

No matter what we here endure

His promise know, is quite secure.

The saints can all now testify

When love is always held nearby,

Amid the cold and dark they know

A bright and warming inner glow.

Wednesday

Forever as a priest

Forever healing wrongs

The Greatest and the Least

Would minister to throngs.

Melchizedek foreshadowed

The true forever One

Who paid the debt we had owed

Our King and God's own Son.

The withered and deformed

Knew well His power then

The works that He performed

Would marvel humble men.

Proud instead were maddened

And jealous of His fame

So the King was saddened

For healing's why He came.

Thursday

No soul beyond His saving

No ill beyond His cure

The road his word is paving

Will lead to life for sure

The Great High Priest, The Promised One

Has come to offer now

The sacrifice of God's own Son

To Paradise allow

The crowds from every corner here

Press hard upon our Lord

They strain to see and touch and hear

The One to be adored

I too, am one of those you see

Enamored by His word

But question if I worthy be

Of all that I have heard.

But worthy's not the question now

For none are such as He

He came to make the sinner bow

And save a soul like me.

Friday

The inner circle, chosen few

Were not unlike to me and you

The ones He called to God obey

And show to others clear the way

The way of turning back from sin

Repenting to be welcomed in

His love is always waiting there

For those in darkness and despair

Our wicked ways and sins of shame

We must in true repentance claim

For only when we see our need

Can humble souls be truly freed.

Saturday

The tabernacle is the home

For all that holy be

And when you through the scriptures comb

Will find that one is thee.

So make of thee a dwelling place

That warm and cozy be

Where beauty, truth, and love embrace

The people that we see.

When Christ abides within the soul

No pain can alter thee

He asks for not a part, but whole

So, He your strength can be.